Identification of dynapenia in older adults through the use of grip strength t ‐scores

: The aim of this study was to generate reference values and t ‐scores (1.0–2.5 standard deviations below average) for grip strength for healthy young adults and to examine the utility of t ‐scores from this group for the identification of dynapenia in older adults. Methods : Our investigation was a population‐based, general community secondary analysis of cross‐sectional grip strength data utilizing the NIH Toolbox Assessment norming sample. Participants consisted of community‐dwelling adults, with age ranges of 20–40 years ( n = 558) and 60–85 years ( n = 390). The main outcome measure was grip strength using a Jamar plus dynamometer. Results : Maximum grip strengths were consistent over the 20–40‐year age group [men 108.0 (SD 22.6) pounds, women 65.8 (SD 14.6) pounds]. Comparison of older group grip strengths to those of the younger reference group revealed (depending on age strata) that 46.2–87.1% of older men and 50.0–82.4% of older women could be designated as dynapenic on the basis of t ‐scores. Conclusions : The use of reference value t ‐scores from younger adults is a promising method for determining dynapenia in older adults. Muscle Nerve 51 : 102–105, 2015